Suffering is good.

[ShannonMcCatholic]

In all things we should pray for God's will to be done-- and yet His will might just be to heal someone of their affliction-- Jesus went around healing people all over Judea.

The thing is to seek out a true acknowledgement of God's perfect will in our lives-- nothing, absolutely nothing can happen in our lives without His permission. With knowledge of that fact we must strive to understand that personal suffering might be allowed for us (whether to purge us, or to call us to deeper prayer, or to give grace to those around us)- and not gripe or complain or be fearful, but merely to seek God's will and be at peace knowing that He is holding us in the loving palm of His hand. Praying for others, particularly the afflicted is a spiritual work of mercy- desiring healing, is not at all outside the eternal plan. We have clear evidence of the goodness and efficacy of prayers for healing as Jesus' beautiful Bride requires such healings to be present for canonization of Her Saints.

 

[Rising_Suns]

I think if I am ever to become a priest and people ask me to pray for the phsycial healing of their loved ones (as is so often the case), I will tell them that I will, but that I will primarily pray for the salvation of their soul and for God's will to be done in their lives. I think a gentle response along these lines could help remind people that our prayers should not be so consumed in the physical nature.

Bishop Sheen was always good at coming up with clever and gentle reminders to common questions/comments. I think a similar approach could prove beneficial as a priest.